The inclusion of a Marine and Coastal Access bill in the government's Draft Legislative Programme is an important step towards restoring the health of the UK’s seas.

Stephanie Hilborne, The Wildlife Trusts' chief executive, said: “With this Marine and Coastal Access Bill, we've finally laid the foundations for the protection of our seas.

"The Wildlife Trusts have campaigned for many years for new laws to bring marine conservation into the 21st century and we are delighted that the Government has today included the Bill in its draft Legislative Programme.

"The Marine and Coastal Access Bill contains numerous measures we have lobbied for, including Marine Conservation Zones and new controls on inshore fisheries."

Find out more about The Wildlife Trust's Living Seas campaign